Collapsible Food Containers with Divider Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a novel food storage device. The device is a set of food storage containers that are collapsible, range in size and shape, and nest within each other. The device comprises a base component with a flexible body and grooves around an inner perimeter, to give the base component a rigid structure when expanded. Further, the base component comprises similar-shaped lockable inserts containing freezer gel, thus allowing the food to be separated and kept cold when stored. The lockable inserts are locked into the grooves by wedging the inserts into the expanded sides of the base component via a friction fit design. Further, the base component can also comprise a plurality of rigid, vertical spacers/dividers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/395,071, which was filed on Aug. 4, 2022,and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of food storagedevices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvedfood storage device that provides users with nesting food storagecontainers capable of keeping food stored and organized in arefrigerator or freezer. Accordingly, the present disclosure makesspecific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated thataspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to otherlike applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in foodstorage devices. Generally, storing leftover food in refrigerators andfreezers can be a difficult and frustrating experience. People may tryto place the food in different plastic containers; however, these takeup considerable space and may not be able to accommodate several mealsworth of leftovers. These containers are also susceptible to beingsquashed when stored in a bag, backpack, etc. Some may stack food itemslike pizza and wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then havetrouble retrieving individual pieces from the freezer. Further, ice ismessy when using food storage containers outside of the home.

Conventional rigid containers or polymeric storage bags are well knownin the art. Consumers use these containers and bags for storage of amultitude of materials and purposes. Although these containers and bagsare of great utility, they have a variety of limitations anddisadvantages. For example, the closure systems on the bags tend toleak, particularly at the sides of the bag. Also, bags typically offerlittle or no structural integrity and therefore are not ideal storagedevices. Further, rigid containers can be cumbersome to store and tendto be more expensive to manufacture than bags. Rigid containers can alsohave poor quality seals, such that liquid materials contained in thecontainer can leak. As such, a unique food storage container to storefood in the refrigerator and freezer is needed.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a food storagedevice that provides users with nesting food storage containers capableof keeping food stored and organized in a refrigerator or freezer. Thereis also a long-felt need in the art for a food storage device thatallows users to collapse the containers and nest them within one anotherto accommodate any type of food storage. Further, there is a long-feltneed in the art for a food storage device that utilizes BPA-free,stain-free, and food safe materials to construct the containers,allowing them to safely store food and then be cleaned and sanitized ina dishwasher. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for adevice that features rigid inserts and dividers with a thin layer offreezer gel, designed to replace ice, allowing users to keep the fooditems cool without oversaturation. Further, there is a long-felt need inthe art for a food storage device that prevents food from being squashedduring transport via the rigid dividers and optimal support structure.Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a food storage devicethat improves storage for leftover food without taking up extensivespace in a refrigerator or freezer.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a food storage device. The device is a set of foodstorage containers that are collapsible, range in size and shape, andnest within each other. The device comprises a base component that isBPA free, DEHP free, food safe, dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and stainresistant. The base component comprises a flexible body with groovesaround an inner perimeter to give the base component a rigid structurewhen expanded. Further, the base component comprises similar-shapedlockable inserts containing freezer gel, thus allowing the food to beseparated and kept cold when stored. The lockable inserts are lockedinto the grooves by wedging the inserts into the expanded sides of thebase component via a friction fit design. Further, the base componentcan also comprise a plurality of rigid, vertical spacers/dividers and acorresponding lid.

While the body component of the device is flexible, it comprises a rigidbottom, that along with an insert being placed at one of the groovesaround the inner perimeter of the device, gives the expanded device arigid structure. Thus, the inserts maintain the device's shapethroughout storage and transport to prevent food from being squashed.The lockable inserts also help keep the food cold. The inserts have thesame general shape and size as the base component and are designed notjust for their freezing ability, but also for their dividing propertiesand unique connection to lock in place in the inner perimeter of thedevice giving the device a rigid structure.

In this manner, the food storage device of the present inventionaccomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with adevice that keeps food stored and organized in a refrigerator orfreezer. The device allows users to collapse the containers and nestthem when not in use. The device improves storage for leftover foodwithout taking up extensive space in a refrigerator or freezer. Thelockable inserts prevents users from having to individually bag separatefood items and doesn't require ice when transporting away from home.Thus, the invention provides less waste and saves time and money.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a food storage device. The device is a set of foodstorage containers that are collapsible, range in size and shape, andnest within each other. The device comprises a base component that isBPA free, DEHP free, food safe, dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and stainresistant. The base component comprises a flexible body with groovesaround an inner perimeter to give the base component a rigid structurewhen expanded. Further, the base component comprises similar-shapedlockable inserts containing freezer gel, thus allowing the food to beseparated and kept cold when stored. The lockable inserts are lockedinto the grooves by wedging the inserts into the expanded sides of thebase component via a friction fit design. The lockable inserted aresecured around the full perimeter of the device, regardless of thedevice's shape.

In one embodiment, the food storage device is a collapsible foodcontainer configured to collapse from a raised position, or firstposition, in which the container is configured to retain food, to acollapsed position, or second position, in which the container iscollapsed for storage and can be nested with other food storage devices.

The collapsible food storage device includes a base component, asidewall portion, and a rim. The base component forms the bottom of thefood storage device. Specifically, the base component comprises a rigidbottom, allowing the food storage device to rest upon a table, acounter, or other support surface without tipping over. The bottom ofthe food storage device comprises a substantially flattened portion forfood to rest upon when placed in the interior cavity of the device.

Generally, the sidewall portion projects outwardly from the basecomponent. Preferably, in use, the sidewalls project upwardly andterminate at a distal end forming the mouth or opening of the device.Specifically, the sidewall portion surrounds and defines an interiorcavity of the food storage device configured to receive food for storageor other desired purposes. The sidewall portion is joined to the basecomponent at a lower end of the sidewall portion. The sidewall portionextends upward from the lower end to terminate in an opening. Thesidewall portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. The innersurface faces the interior cavity and surrounds the interior cavity. Theouter surface faces opposite the interior cavity. The outer surfacepreferably has a substantially smooth texture. The substantially smoothtexture of the outer surface increases the aesthetic appeal of the foodstorage device, and also allows the contents of the food storage deviceto be more easily seen through the sidewall portion.

The sidewalls are illustrated to be generally perpendicular to andprojecting outwardly from the base component. At least one of theupstanding sidewalls has a groove therein. In one embodiment, all of thesidewalls has a groove therein, creating a groove around the entireperimeter of the device. It is to be recognized that, as illustrated,each of the upstanding sidewalls may be provided with a groove. Thegroove is generally orthogonal to the direction of collapse and erectionof the device, and thus may be generally parallel to the plane of thebase component in a preferred embodiment.

In one embodiment, the groove in the at least one sidewall, andpreferably all sidewalls, or any combination therebetween, is preferablyformed by providing a line of weakness in the sidewall of the device.The line of weakness may be an area of reduced wall thickness, or anarea of offset material. The line of weakness allows the sidewalls tocollapse either inwardly or outwardly relative to the center and body ofthe device. In a preferred embodiment, opposed sidewalls collapse in thesame disposition. The front and rear sidewalls articulate so that thewalls collapse outwardly and away from the container. In contrast, theopposed sidewalls forming the left and right ends of the containerarticulate to collapse inwardly and toward the center of the container.In this arrangement, each sidewall collapses in an orientation oppositethat of the adjacent sidewalls.

Alternatively, adjacent sidewalls may collapse in the same direction,i.e., inwardly or outwardly. This arrangement provides the benefit that,when all of the sidewalls collapse inwardly, the device has a smallerfootprint in the collapsed condition. Further, such devices may be moreeasily stacked in such a collapsed condition. Furthermore, the positionof the groove in the sidewall determines the height of the container inthe collapsed condition.

The sidewall portion and the base component can be any suitable shapeand size as is known in the art. The substantially smooth shape of theouter surface allows the food storage device to be more easily stackedwith other similar food containers because any creases in the outersurface need not be aligned for stacking. Similar shaped and sized foodstorage device are stacked together with other similar food containersif desired.

In another embodiment, the food storage device comprises a sidewallportion having at least two thicknesses. A first portion of the sidewallportion extends upward from a lower end. A second portion of thesidewall portion extends upward from the first portion. The firstportion has a thickness that is less than the thickness of the secondportion. The thickness of the first portion transitions to the thicknessof the second portion at a transition that forms a groove in the innersurface of the sidewall portion.

The varied thickness of the sidewall portion allows the sidewall portionto collapse in a desired manner. In addition, the upper end of thesidewall portion, in the collapsed position, encircles the lower end ofthe sidewall portion. Specifically, the first portion is flexible andconfigured to bend. The thinner first portion defines a weaker portionof the sidewall portion which will bend first when downward pressure isapplied to the food storage device. The base component, however, is notmade of material as thin as the first portion, and therefore does notbend when downward pressure is applied. Downward pressure applied to thesidewall portion therefore causes the sidewall portion to collapse in adesired manner.

To return the food storage device back to the raised position, upwardforce is applied to the wall portion, to return it back into place. Thewall portion therefore bends between a raised position, or firstposition, in which the wall portion has a height corresponding to theheight of second portion, and a collapsed position, or second position,in which the wall portion has a height corresponding to the firstportion.

The collapsibility of the food storage device beneficially allows thefood storage device to collapse for easy storage of the container. Auser may simply press down on the top of the food storage device to bendthe wall portion into position. The largest food storage device would beexpanded and the smaller food storage devices would be collapsed to nestwithin each other within the large food storage device. The lids anddividers/inserts would also be nested within the storage devices. Duringuse, for food storage, the food storage device are expanded and filledwith food.

The thickness of the collapsible sidewall in the container of thepresent invention will generally be within the range of from about 1 milto about 20 mils (about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm), preferably from about2 mils to about 15 mils (about 0.05 mm to about 0.375 mm), even morepreferably from about 2 mils to about 10 mils (about 0.05 mm to about0.25 mm), most preferably from about 3 mils to about 6 mils (about 0.075mm to about 0.15 mm). When low density polyethylene is used as thepolymeric material, especially as the primary polymer, collapsible wallthickness is preferably from about 10 mils to about 20 mils (about 0.25mm to about 0.50 mm). Wall thicknesses outside these ranges may be usedand are intended to be encompassed within the present invention as longas the container sidewalls fulfill the purposes hereof and inparticular, remain collapsible and have sufficient strength to form anerectable container suitable for containing the intended materials orcontents of the container. The collapsible thicknesses suitable for usewill vary according to the type of polymeric material that is used,including the polymer itself and the additives as will be discussed inmore detail below. In general, it has been found that as wall thicknessis reduced below 1 mil, the wall becomes too weak or becomes susceptibleto having holes extending throughout the thickness of the wall. As wallthickness becomes larger, beyond about 20 mils or 0.5 mm, it becomesmore difficult to fold and less compact when folded.

By “collapsible sidewall”, what is meant herein, is that the sidewallcan be folded by the user at least once to form a 180-degree fold,preferably without forming a permanent crease or fold line in thepolymer. To assist in folding or to aid in selecting the location of thefold, the sidewalls may have one or more lines of weakness or grooves.These grooves may be observable, however such intentionally introducedstructures should not be confused with stress-related fold or creaselines that only become observable upon folding the sidewalls.

In one embodiment, the food storage device is reversibly transformablebetween two conditions, a collapsed condition and an erect condition.The device has a first volume associated with its collapsed condition.The device further has a second volume associated with its erectcondition. The second volume is greater than the first. The device maybe collapsed in stages as the contents are depleted. This provides thebenefit of requiring less storage space and removing oxygen from thedevice if perishable contents are stored therein. Preferably, the secondvolume is at least 50% less than the first volume. Volume may beascertained by filling the device with water in both the collapsed anderected conditions. Thus, a food storage device does not have to befully expanded to function and have a lid secured on it. Users canselect how expanded they wish to make the device before filling withfood.

In one embodiment, a rim is positioned above the sidewall portion andincludes a vertically extending mating portion and an outwardlyextending flange. The mating portion is configured to mate with a lid.The outwardly extending flange provides rigidity for the food storagedevice and a grip point for a user applying or removing the lid.

In another embodiment, the food storage device comprises a lid which canbe secured to the rim and the top of the sidewall portion. The lidincludes an outer flange at the periphery. A lip extends from the outerflange. The lip is configured for a user to easily grab the lip toremove the lid from the rim and the sidewall portion. Further, the lid,when attached, flexes to form an air-tight seal with the rim of the foodstorage device. Additionally, the lid may be generally flat, or may havea convex inward or convex outward orientation, as desired. For certainembodiments, it is preferred that the lid be substantially flat so thatthe device is stackable.

In one embodiment, the lid comprises a label area, or other suitablearea for labeling the contents of the food container.

In another embodiment, the lid comprises a vent. The vent allows air orsteam to exit through the vent if the food storage device were used as amicrowave steamer for example.

Further, a vent plug extends through and fills the vent. The vent plugis configured to be slid within the vent between a closed position andan open position, with the vent plug in the closed position preventingair or steam from exiting through the vent, and the vent plug in theopen position allowing air or steam to exit through the vent.

If the lid forms an airtight seal with the rim, then air is preventedfrom exiting or entering the interior of the food storage device.Accordingly, with the lid in place in this configuration, the foodstorage device cannot be collapsed from the raised position to thecollapsed position because the air within the food storage device cannotexit to account for the reduced internal volume of the food storagedevice. In addition, if the lid forms an airtight seal with the rim, andthe food storage device is in the collapsed position, then the foodstorage device cannot be raised to the raised position because aircannot enter the food storage device to account for the increasedinternal volume of the food container. Thus, the lid serves as a stopperto prevent the food storage device from inadvertently being convertedbetween the raised or collapsed position.

The storage device may be used in a variety of implementations, fromshort term food storage in which food is temporarily kept in thecontainers (for example, during cooking) to long term food storage inwhich food is kept in the containers for extended periods of time in afreezer and/or refrigerator. Further, the storage device can be utilizedoutside the home, such as picnics, work lunches, school lunches, etc.

Any of the embodiments of the food storage device may be constructed inthe following manner. The food storage devices are preferably formedfrom a single molding process in which the base components are moldedintegral with the respective wall portions. The device may be blowmolded, injection molded, or preferably thermoformed. The single moldingprocess allows the base component to not need to be joined to therespective wall portions in a separate manufacturing step. The integralmold reduces the time and expense of the manufacturing process.Preferably, but not necessarily, the food storage device is formed froma unitary sheet of material. By forming the device from a unitary sheetof material, the presence of seal lines within the body of the device iseliminated and pathways for leakage are reduced.

Preferably, the food storage device is made of polymeric materials. Thepolymeric materials provide sufficient strength to support the foodstorage device in the raised position, but also provides sufficientflexibility to allow the food storage device to bend and collapse to thecollapsed position. In addition, the polymeric material has a generallylow toxicity, to allow it to contact food and store food. Preferably,all components of the food storage device, including lids that fit onthe food containers, are made of polymeric materials. In addition, thepolymeric material used for the sidewall portion and the base componentis preferably configured to allow objects to be visible within therespective food container. These parts are made of polymeric materialthat is transparent or translucent to allow objects to be visible withinthe respective food storage device. In addition, preferably, the rimsare made of a colored polymeric material that is colored different thanthe respective sidewall portions and base component. The colored rimsallow the user to easily identify and remember the contents of therespective food storage device based on the color of the rim.

The polymeric materials selected for use in the present invention caninclude any polymers that fulfill the purposes of the invention orwhich, with the addition of additives, can be modified to fulfill thepurposes of the invention. Polymers suitable for use herein includepolyolefins, such as polypropylenes, polyethylenes, and polyvinylchlorides. The polymers preferably are those selected from the groupconsisting of polyethylenes, polypropylenes, and mixtures thereof.Included within the above categories of polymers are copolymerscontaining ethylene monomer units and propylene monomer units, polymerscontaining substituted ethylene and/or propylene monomer units, andcopolymers further containing other monomer units that are derived frommonomers that are polymerizable with ethylene and/or propylene monomers.Also included are branched chain and linear polymers.

Also, preferably, the polymeric materials for use herein are eitherclear or translucent, such that the user is able to visually observe thecontents of the container through the walls of the container with thenaked eye. Clarity can be enhanced by the use of clarifying agentsduring manufacture of the polymeric material according to techniqueswell-known in the art. Clarifying agents include, without limitation,sulfur, selenium, antimony, proteins and carbohydrates, silicates,graphite, inorganic molecules, and organic molecules.

In addition to the polymer compounds themselves, the polymeric materialsfor use herein may contain one or more additives such as, withoutlimitation, antistatic agents, antioxidants, colorants, flameretardants, lubricants, mold release agents, plasticizers, andultra-violet light stabilizers, and combinations thereof. Such additivesand their use, including the levels thereof, are well known in thepolymer art. Typically, they are added at a level of from about 100 ppmto about 5000 ppm, by weight of the polymer.

In one embodiment, the food storage device comprises a plurality oflockable insert components that are arranged horizontally within theinterior of the device. The plurality of lockable insert componentscomprise freezer gel or other suitable cooling fluid which allows thefood to be separated and kept cold when stored. In another embodiment,the lockable insert components are thin, plastic dividers withoutfreezer gel. These plastic dividers are thinner than the freezer gelinsert components and provide more room for food. The lockable insertcomponents would be inserted into the grooves of the interior of thesidewalls and retained via a friction fit design. Each lockable insertcomponent comprises a thin divider filled with a thin layer of freezergel that can be frozen and which takes the place of ice. One of thelockable insert components can be positioned in the bottom of the basecomponent and additional lockable insert components are secured abovethe bottom component within the grooves of the side walls. Specifically,the grooves are configured to open and lock in place the insertcomponent via the friction fit design. Thus, the inset components lockinto place by wedging in the grooves of the sidewalls. Furthermore, theinsert components would have the same shape/footprint of the basecomponent and act to not only keep the stored food cold, but also todivide/separate the stored food within the device. Additionally, thehorizontal lockable insert components prevent food from mixing duringstorage and/or transport.

Additionally, while the body of the device is flexible, the rigid basecomponent and the insert components spaced within the grooves of thesidewalls or inner perimeter of the device give the expanded device arigid structure. Thus allowing the device to maintain its structure andshape throughout storage and transport to prevent squashed food.

In another embodiment, the food storage device comprises a plurality ofrigid, vertical spacers/dividers. The vertical spacers allow one layerto be divided into multiple compartments. The vertical spacers are flatand easily injection molded. Typically, two of the vertical spacerswould interlock in a perpendicular configuration, such as dividers in acardboard box. Accordingly, the vertical spacers would interlock andthen be positioned in the device, regardless of the container's shape.The vertical spacers/dividers prevent food from mixing during storageand/or transport.

In yet another embodiment, the food storage device comprises a pluralityof indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of storing food in a refrigerator orfreezer is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a foodstorage device comprising a base component with freezer gel inserts forrigidity. The method also comprises choosing a specific style and sizeof the food storage device depending on the needs and/or wants of auser. Further, the method comprises expanding the base component of thedevice. Additionally, the method comprises positioning food and freezergel inserts within the base component. The method also comprisespositioning vertical spacers within the base component. Finally, themethod comprises sealing a lid on the device for transport or storage ina freezer or refrigerator.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading andunderstanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and areintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the foodstorage device of the present invention showing the food storage deviceand components in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the foodstorage device of the present invention showing the vertical spacers anddividers in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the foodstorage device of the present invention showing the expanded basecomponent and freezer gel inserts in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture;

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the foodstorage device of the present invention showing the device collapsed andnested within another device in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the foodstorage device of the present invention showing the label area, the lidand the freezer gel inserts in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective side view of one embodiment of the foodstorage device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of storing food in arefrigerator or freezer in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments arediscussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are describedonly to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are notintended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limitthe scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment neednot have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in otherembodiments, any of the features described herein from differentembodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a food storagedevice that provides users with nesting food storage containers capableof keeping food stored and organized in a refrigerator or freezer. Thereis also a long-felt need in the art for a food storage device thatallows users to collapse the containers and nest them within one anotherto accommodate any type of food storage. Further, there is a long-feltneed in the art for a food storage device that utilizes BPA-free,stain-free, and food safe materials to construct the containers allowingthem to safely store food and then be cleaned and sanitized in adishwasher. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a devicethat features rigid inserts and dividers with a thin layer of freezergel designed to replace ice, allowing users to keep the food items coolwithout oversaturation. Further, there is a long-felt need in the artfor a food storage device that prevents food from being squashed duringtransport via the rigid dividers and optimal support structure. Finally,there is a long-felt need in the art for a food storage device thatimproves storage for leftover food without taking up extensive space ina refrigerator or freezer.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel foodstorage device. The device is a set of food storage containers that arecollapsible, range in size and shape, and nest within each other. Thebase component comprises a flexible body with grooves around an innerperimeter to give the base component a rigid structure when expanded.Further, the base component comprises similar-shaped lockable insertscontaining freezer gel, thus allowing the food to be separated and keptcold when stored. The lockable inserts are locked into the grooves bywedging the inserts into the expanded sides of the base component via afriction fit design. Further, the base component can also comprise aplurality of rigid, vertical spacers/dividers. The present inventionalso includes a novel method of storing food in a refrigerator orfreezer. The method includes the steps of providing a food storagedevice comprising a base component with freezer gel inserts forrigidity. The method also comprises choosing a specific style and sizeof the food storage device, depending on the needs and/or wants of auser. Further, the method comprises expanding the base component of thedevice. Additionally, the method comprises positioning food and freezergel inserts within the base component. The method also comprisespositioning vertical spacers within the base component. Finally, themethod comprises sealing a lid on the device for transport or storage ina freezer or refrigerator.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of one embodiment of the food storage device 100 of the presentinvention. In the present embodiment, the food storage device 100 is aset of food storage containers that are collapsible, range in size andshape, and nest within each other. Further, the improved food storagedevice 100 provides users with food storage containers capable ofkeeping food stored and organized in a refrigerator or freezer. The foodstorage device 100 comprises a base component 102 with a plurality oflockable inserts 104 to provide rigidity to the base component 102 anddivide the food stored therein.

The food storage device 100 may be used in a variety of implementations,from short term food storage in which food is temporarily kept in thecontainers (during cooking for example) to long term food storage inwhich food is kept in the containers for extended periods of time in afreezer and/or refrigerator, also transporting food out of the house,such as with lunches and picnics.

Further, the food storage device 100 is a collapsible food containerconfigured to collapse from a raised position, or first position 106, inwhich the container is configured to retain food, to a collapsedposition, or second position 108, in which the container is collapsedfor storage and can be nested with other food storage devices 100.

The collapsible food storage device 100 includes a base component 102, asidewall portion 110, and a rim 112. The base component 102 forms thebottom of the food storage device 100. Specifically, the base component102 comprises a rigid bottom, allowing the food storage device 100 torest upon a table, a counter, or other support surface without tippingover. The bottom of the food storage device 100 comprises asubstantially flattened portion for food to rest upon when placed in theinterior cavity 114 of the device 100. Generally, the base component 102is BPA free, DEHP free, food safe, dishwasher safe, freezer safe, andstain resistant.

Generally, the sidewall portion 110 projects outwardly from the basecomponent 102. Preferably, in use, the sidewalls 110 project upwardlyand terminate at a distal end 116 forming the mouth or opening 118 ofthe device 100. Specifically, the sidewall portion 110 surrounds anddefines an interior cavity 114 of the food storage device 100 configuredto receive food for storage or other desired purposes. The sidewallportion 110 is joined to the base component 102 at a lower end 120 ofthe sidewall portion 110. The sidewall portion 110 extends upward fromthe lower end 120 to terminate in an opening 118. The sidewall portion110 has an inner surface 122 and an outer surface 124. The inner surface122 faces the interior cavity 114 and surrounds the interior cavity 114.The outer surface 124 faces opposite the interior cavity 114. The outersurface 124 preferably has a substantially smooth shape, which does nothave any creases or ridges. The substantially smooth shape of the outersurface 124 increases the aesthetic appeal of the food storage device100, and also allows the contents of the food storage device 100 to bemore easily seen through the sidewall portion 110.

The sidewalls 110 are illustrated to be generally perpendicular to andprojecting outwardly from the base component 102. At least one of theupstanding sidewalls 110 has a groove 126 therein. It is to berecognized that, as illustrated, each of the upstanding sidewalls 110may be provided with a groove 126. The groove 126 is generallyorthogonal to the direction of collapse and erection of the device 100,and thus may be generally parallel to the plane of the base component102 in a preferred embodiment.

Furthermore, the groove 126 in the at least one sidewall 110, andpreferably all sidewalls 110, or any combination therebetween, ispreferably formed by providing a line of weakness in the sidewall 110 ofthe device 100. The line of weakness may be an area of reduced wallthickness, or an area of offset material. The line of weakness allowsthe sidewalls 110 to collapse either inwardly or outwardly relative tothe center and body of the device 100. In a preferred embodiment,opposed sidewalls 110 collapse in the same disposition. The front andrear sidewalls 110 articulate so that the sidewalls 119 collapseoutwardly and away from the container. In contrast, the opposedsidewalls 110, forming the left and right ends of the container,articulate to collapse inwardly and toward the center of the container.In this arrangement, each sidewall 110 collapses in an orientationopposite that of the adjacent sidewalls 110.

Alternatively, adjacent sidewalls 110 may collapse in the samedirection, i.e., inwardly or outwardly. This arrangement provides thebenefit that when all of the sidewalls 110 collapse inwardly, the device100 has a smaller footprint in the collapsed condition. Further, suchdevices 100 may be more easily stacked in such a collapsed condition.Furthermore, the position of the groove 126 in the sidewall 110determines the height of the container in the collapsed condition.

The sidewall portion 110 and the base component 102 can be any suitableshape and size as is known in the art. The substantially smooth shape ofthe outer surface 124 allows the food storage device 100 to be moreeasily stacked with other similar food containers because any creases inthe outer surface 124 need not be aligned for stacking. Similar shapedand sized food storage devices 100 are stacked together with othersimilar food containers if desired.

In another embodiment, the food storage device 100 comprises a sidewallportion 110 having at least two thicknesses. A first portion 128 of thesidewall portion 110 extends upward from a lower end 120. A secondportion 130 of the sidewall portion 110 extends upward from the firstportion 128. The first portion 128 has a thickness that is less than thethickness of the second portion 130. The thickness of the first portion128 transitions to the thickness of the second portion 130 at atransition that forms a groove 126 in the inner surface 122 of thesidewall portion 110.

The varied thickness of the sidewall portion 110 allows the sidewallportion 110 to collapse in a desired manner. In addition, the upper endof the sidewall portion 110, in the collapsed position 108, encirclesthe lower end of the sidewall portion 110. Specifically, the firstportion 128 is flexible and configured to bend. The thinner firstportion 128 defines a weaker portion of the sidewall portion 110 whichwill bend first when downward pressure is applied to the food storagedevice 100. The base component 102, however, is not made of material asthin as the first portion 128, and therefore does not bend when downwardpressure is applied. Downward pressure applied to the sidewall portion110 therefore causes the sidewall portion 110 to collapse in a desiredmanner.

To return the food storage device 100 back to the raised position 106,upward force is applied to the sidewall portion 110 to return it backinto place. The sidewall portion 110 therefore bends between a raisedposition, or first position 106, in which the sidewall portion 110 has aheight corresponding to the height of the second portion 130, and acollapsed position, or second position 108, in which the sidewallportion 110 has a height corresponding to the first portion 128.

The collapsing of the food storage device 100 beneficially allows thefood storage device 100 to collapse for easy storage of the container. Auser may simply press down on the top of the food storage device 100 tobend the sidewall portion 110 into position.

The thickness of the collapsible sidewall 110 in the containers of thepresent invention will generally be within the range of from about 1 milto about 20 mils (about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm), preferably from about2 mils to about 15 mils (about 0.05 mm to about 0.375 mm), even morepreferably from about 2 mils to about 10 mils (about 0.05 mm to about0.25 mm), most preferably from about 3 mils to about 6 mils (about 0.075mm to about 0.15 mm). When low density polyethylene is used as thepolymeric material, especially as the primary polymer, collapsible wallthickness is preferably from about 10 mils to about 20 mils (about 0.25mm to about 0.50 mm). Wall thicknesses outside these ranges may be usedand are intended to be encompassed within the present invention as longas the container sidewalls 110 fulfill the purposes hereof and inparticular, remain collapsible and have sufficient strength to form anerectable container suitable for containing the intended materials orcontents of the container. The collapsible thicknesses suitable for usewill vary according to the type of polymeric material that is used,including the polymer itself and the additives as will be discussed inmore detail below. In general, it has been found that as wall thicknessis reduced below 1 mil, the wall becomes too weak or becomes susceptibleto having holes extending throughout the thickness of the wall. As wallthickness becomes larger, beyond about 20 mils or 0.5 mm, it becomesmore difficult to fold and less compact when folded.

By “collapsible sidewall”, what is meant herein is that the sidewall 110can be folded by the user at least once to form a 180-degree fold,preferably without forming a permanent crease or fold line in thepolymer. To assist in folding or to aid in selecting the location of thefold, the sidewalls 110 may have one or more lines of weakness orgrooves 126. These grooves 126 may be observable, however suchintentionally introduced structures should not be confused withstress-related fold or crease lines that only become observable uponfolding the sidewalls 110.

In one embodiment, the food storage device 100 is reversiblytransformable between two conditions, a collapsed condition 108 and anerect condition 106. The device 100 has a first volume associated withits collapsed condition 108. The device 100 further has a second volumeassociated with its erect condition 106. The second volume is greaterthan the first. The device 100 may be collapsed in stages, as thecontents are depleted. This provides the benefits of requiring lessstorage space and removing oxygen from the device 100 if perishablecontents are stored therein. Preferably, the second volume is at least50% less than the first volume. Volume may be ascertained by filling thedevice 100 with water in both the collapsed 108 and erected 106conditions.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the food storage device 100 comprises a pluralityof rigid, vertical spacers/dividers 200. The vertical spacers 200 allowone layer to be divided into multiple compartments, allowing a user tostore different food items in the same container. For example, thevertical spacers could be used to separate grapes, cheese cubes,pretzels, cranberries, etc., in a lunch. Thus, use of the verticalspacers/dividers 200 would replace lunch bags. The vertical spacers 200are flat and easily injected molded. Typically, two of the verticalspacers 200 would interlock in a perpendicular configuration, such asdividers in a cardboard box or wine case. Accordingly, the verticalspacers 200 would interlock and then be positioned in the device 100regardless of the container's shape. Any suitable number ofspacers/dividers 200 can be utilized as is known in the art, dependingon the needs and/or wants of a user. The spacers/dividers 200 are shapedto fit up against the inner wall of the device 100, they 200 areprevented from moving left or right due to touching the inner walls ofthe device 100. Generally, the spacers/dividers 200 sit on top of thelockable insert components 104 or the bottom of the device 100 when inuse.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-B, a rim 112 is positioned above the sidewallportion 110 and includes a vertically extending mating portion 300 andan outwardly extending flange 302. The mating portion 300 is configuredto mate with a lid 304. The outwardly extending flange 302 providesrigidity for the food storage device 100 and a grip point for a userapplying or removing the lid 304.

In one embodiment, the food storage device 100 comprises a lid 304 whichcan be secured to the rim 112 and the top of the sidewall portion 110.The lid 304 includes an outer flange 302 at the periphery. A lip 306extends from the outer flange 302. The lip 306 is configured for a userto grab, to easily remove the lid 304 from the rim 112 and the sidewallportion 110. Further, the lid 304 when attached, flexes to form anair-tight seal with the rim 112 of the food storage device 100.Additionally, the lid 304 may be generally flat, or may have a convexinward or convex outward orientation, as desired. For certainembodiments, it is preferred that the lid 304 be substantially flat sothat the device 100 is stackable.

Furthermore, the lid 304 comprises a label area 308, or other suitablearea for labeling the contents of the food container. In anotherembodiment, the lid 304 comprises a vent 310. The vent 310 allows air orsteam to exit through the vent 310, if the food storage device 100 wereused as a microwave steamer for example. Any suitable vent 310 can beutilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants ofa user. Further, multiple vents 310 can be utilized as is known in theart.

Additionally, a vent plug 312 extends through and fills the vent 310.The vent plug 312 is configured to be slid within the vent 310 between aclosed position and an open position, with the vent plug 312 in theclosed position preventing air or steam from exiting through the vent310, and the vent plug 312 in the open position allowing air or steam toexit through the vent 310.

If the lid 304 forms an airtight seal with the rim 112, then air isprevented from exiting or entering the interior 114 of the food storagedevice 100. Accordingly, with the lid 304 in place in thisconfiguration, the food storage device 100 cannot be collapsed from theraised position 106 to the collapsed position 108 because the air withinthe food storage device 100 cannot exit to account for the reducedinternal volume of the food storage device 100. In addition, if the lid304 forms an airtight seal with the rim 112, and the food storage device100 is in the collapsed position 108, then the food storage device 100cannot be raised to the raised position 106, because air cannot enterthe food storage device 100 to account for the increased internal volumeof the food container. Thus, the lid 304 serves as a stopper, to preventthe food storage device 100 from inadvertently being converted betweenthe raised 106 or collapsed 108 position.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the food storage device 100 comprises a pluralityof lockable insert components 104 that are arranged horizontally withinthe interior 114 of the device 100. The plurality of lockable insertcomponents 104 comprise freezer gel or other suitable cooling fluid,which allows the stored food to be separated and kept cold when stored.In another embodiment, the lockable insert components 104 are thin,plastic dividers 103 without freezer gel. These plastic dividers 103 arethinner than the freezer gel insert components 104 and provide more roomfor food. The lockable insert components 104 would be inserted into thegrooves 126 of the interior of the sidewalls 110 (i.e., around theentire perimeter of the device 100) and retained via a friction fitdesign. Each lockable insert component 104 comprises a thin dividerfilled with a thin layer of freezer gel that can be frozen and whichtakes the place of ice. One of the lockable insert components 104 can bepositioned in the bottom of the base component 102 and additionallockable insert components 104 are secured above the base component 102within the grooves 126 of the side walls 110. Specifically, the grooves126 are configured to open and lock in place the insert component 104via the friction fit design. Thus, the inset components 104 lock intoplace by wedging in the grooves 126 of the sidewalls 110. Furthermore,the insert components 104 would have the same shape/footprint of thebase component 102 and act to not only keep the stored food cold, butalso to divide/separate the stored food within the device 100.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the diameter of the food storagedevice 100 is smaller towards the bottom of the device 100 and thelockable insert components 104 are friction fit into the larger diameterof the device 100 and won't slip down or move during transport. Thelockable insert components 104 are then placed at the widest part of thefood storage device 100 and prevented from being pushed down. Further,the lockable insert components 104 are friction fit around a fullperimeter of the devices 100 creating a seal and preventing food fromabove the lockable insert component 104 to drip down into food placedbelow the lockable insert component 104. Additionally, the food storagedevices 100 can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, such astriangular, square, trapezoidal, etc. However, in this embodiment, thediameter of the device 100 progresses from large to small, allowing thelockable insert components 104 to be inserted into the larger part ofthe diameter and secured, as well as being prevented from being pusheddown due to the small diameter.

Additionally, while the body of the device 100 is flexible, the rigidbase component 102 and the insert components 104 spaced within thegrooves 126 of the sidewalls 110 or inner perimeter of the device 100,give the expanded device 100 a rigid structure. Thus, allowing thedevice 100 to maintain its structure and shape throughout storage andtransport to prevent squashed food.

As shown in FIG. 5 , any of the embodiments of the food storage device100 may be constructed in the following manner. The food storage devices100 are preferably formed from a single molding process in which thebase components 102 are molded integral with the respective sidewallportions 100. The device 100 may be blow molded, injection molded, orpreferably thermoformed. The single molding process allows the basecomponent 102 to not need to be joined to the respective sidewallportions 110 in a separate manufacturing step. The integral mold reducesthe time and expense of the manufacturing process. Preferably, but notnecessarily, the food storage device 100 is formed from a unitary sheetof material. By forming the device 100 from a unitary sheet of material,the presence of seal lines within the body of the device 100 iseliminated and pathways for leakage are reduced.

Preferably, the food storage device 100 is made of polymeric materials.The polymeric materials provide sufficient strength to support the foodstorage device 100 in the raised position, but also provides sufficientflexibility to allow the food storage device 100 to bend and collapse tothe collapsed position. In addition, the polymeric material has agenerally low toxicity to allow it to contact food and store food.Preferably, all components of the food storage device 100, includinglids 304 that fit on the food containers, are made of polymericmaterials. In addition, the polymeric material used for the sidewallportion 110 and the base component 102 is preferably configured to allowobjects to be visible within the respective food container. These partsare made of polymeric material that is transparent or translucent toallow objects to be visible within the respective food storage device100. In addition, preferably, the rims 112 are made of a coloredpolymeric material that is colored different than the respectivesidewall portions 110 and base component 102. The colored rims 112 allowthe user to more easily identify and remember the contents of therespective food storage device 100 based on the color of the rim 112.

The polymeric materials selected for use in the present invention caninclude any polymers that fulfill the purposes of the invention orwhich, with the addition of additives, can be modified to fulfill thepurposes of the invention. Polymers suitable for use herein includepolyolefins, such as polypropylenes, polyethylenes, and polyvinylchlorides. The polymers are preferably those selected from the groupconsisting of polyethylenes, polypropylenes, and mixtures thereof.Included within the above categories of polymers, are copolymerscontaining ethylene monomer units and propylene monomer units, polymerscontaining substituted ethylene and/or propylene monomer units, andcopolymers further containing other monomer units that are derived frommonomers that are polymerizable with ethylene and/or propylene monomers.Also included are branched chain and linear polymers.

Also, preferably, the polymeric materials for use herein are eitherclear or translucent, such that the user is able to visually observe thecontents of the container through the walls of the container with thenaked eye. Clarity can be enhanced by the use of clarifying agentsduring manufacture of the polymeric material, according to techniqueswell-known in the art. Clarifying agents include, without limitation,sulfur, selenium, antimony, proteins and carbohydrates, silicates,graphite, inorganic molecules and organic molecules.

In addition to the polymer compounds themselves, the polymeric materialsfor use herein may contain one or more additives such as, withoutlimitation, antistatic agents, antioxidants, colorants, flameretardants, lubricants, mold release agents, plasticizers, andultra-violet light stabilizers, and combinations thereof. Such additivesand their use, including the levels thereof, are well known in thepolymer art. Typically, they are added at a level of from about 100 ppmto about 5000 ppm, by weight of the polymer.

Further, the food storage device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia500. The base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, atrademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted,stamped, or integrated into the base component 102, or any other indicia500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as isknown in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns,logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters,animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be foodstorage, or brand related.

In another embodiment, the food storage device 100 comprises a lid 304with a flip handle 501 that pivots from a pin. This allows increasedrigidity for the food storage device 100, especially for bigger sizeddevices 100. Also allows the device 100 and lid 304 to be secured,allowing the device 100 to function as a lunchbox without need of a bagor other transport item.

In another embodiment, the food storage device 100 comprises a lid 304with a tab 502 and through-hole 503 that protrudes out from the lid 304.This tab 502 allows a user to attach a carabiner or clip to connect thelid 304 and device 100 to a user's backpack, bookbag, etc. The tab 502and through-hole 503 can be any suitable size as is known in the art.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of storing food in arefrigerator or freezer. The method includes the steps of at 600,providing a food storage device comprising a base component with freezergel inserts for rigidity. The method also comprises at 602, choosing aspecific style and size of the food storage device depending on theneeds and/or wants of a user. Further, the method comprises at 604,expanding the base component of the device. Additionally, the methodcomprises at 606, positioning food and freezer gel inserts within thebase component. The method also comprises at 608, positioning verticalspacers within the base component. Finally, at 610, the method comprisessealing a lid on the device for transport or storage in a freezer orrefrigerator.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature orcomponent by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components or features that differ in name but notstructure or function. As used herein “food storage device”, “storagedevice”, “collapsible food storage device”, and “device” areinterchangeable and refer to the food storage device 100 of the presentinvention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the food storage device 100 of thepresent invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as isknown in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention,provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the food storage device100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and thatmany other sizes and shapes of the food storage device 100 are wellwithin the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions ofthe food storage device 100 are important design parameters for userconvenience, the food storage device 100 may be of any size that ensuresoptimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/orpreferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. While the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments havingdifferent combinations of features and embodiments that do not includeall of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with allequivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A food storage device that provides users withfood storage containers capable of keeping food stored and organized,the food storage device comprising: a base component; a sidewallportion; a rim; and a plurality of lockable inserts that are thin,plastic dividers; and wherein the plurality of lockable inserts providerigidity to the base component and the sidewall portion and divide foodstored therein; and further wherein the food storage device isconfigured to collapse from a raised position, in which the food storagedevice is configured to retain food, to a collapsed position, in whichthe food storage device is collapsed for storage and can be nested withother food storage devices.
 2. The food storage device of claim 1,wherein a diameter of the food storage device progresses from large tosmall, allowing the plurality of lockable insert components to beinserted into a larger part of the diameter and secured around a fullperimeter of the food storage device.
 3. The food storage device ofclaim 2, wherein the sidewall portion is perpendicular to and projectsoutwardly from the base component and terminates at a distal end to forman opening.
 4. The food storage device of claim 3, wherein the sidewallportion surrounds and defines an interior cavity of the food storagedevice configured to receive food for storage.
 5. The food storagedevice of claim 4, wherein the sidewall portion is comprised of an innersurface and an outer surface.
 6. The food storage device of claim 5,wherein the sidewall portion comprises a groove therein that isgenerally orthogonal to a direction of collapse and erection of the foodstorage device.
 7. The food storage device of claim 6, wherein thegroove is formed by providing a line of weakness in the sidewallportion.
 8. The food storage device of claim 7, wherein the line ofweakness is an area of reduced wall thickness.
 9. The food storagedevice of claim 8, wherein the line of weakness allows the sidewallportion to collapse either inwardly or outwardly relative to the foodstorage device.
 10. The food storage device of claim 9 furthercomprising a plurality of rigid, vertical spacers.
 11. The food storagedevice of claim 10 wherein the plurality of rigid, vertical spacers areconfigured to interlock in a perpendicular configuration.
 12. The foodstorage device of claim 11 wherein the rim is positioned above thesidewall portion and comprises a vertically extending mating portion andan outwardly extending flange.
 13. The food storage device of claim 12,wherein the vertically extending mating portion is configured to matewith a lid and the outwardly extending flange provides rigidity for thefood storage device and a grip point for a user applying or removing thelid from the food storage device.
 14. The food storage device of claim13, wherein the lid comprises a label area and a flip handle.
 15. Thefood storage device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of lockableinserts comprise a freezer gel.
 16. The food storage device of claim 15,wherein the plurality of lockable inserts would be inserted into thegroove of the sidewall portion and retained therein via a friction fitdesign that prevents leaks.
 17. A food storage device that providesusers with food storage containers capable of keeping food stored andorganized, the food storage device comprising: a base component; asidewall portion; a rim; a lid with a tab and through-hole; and aplurality of lockable freezer gel inserts; and wherein the sidewallportion is perpendicular to and projects outwardly from the basecomponent and terminates at a distal end forming an opening; wherein thesidewall portion surrounds and defines an interior cavity of the foodstorage device configured to receive food for storage; wherein thesidewall portion has a groove therein that is generally orthogonal to adirection of collapse and erection of the food storage device; whereinthe groove is formed by providing a line of weakness in the sidewallportion; wherein the plurality of lockable freezer gel inserts providerigidity to the base component and the sidewall portion and divide foodstored therein; wherein the food storage device is configured tocollapse from a raised position, in which the food storage device isconfigured to retain food, to a collapsed position, in which the foodstorage device is collapsed for storage and can be nested with otherfood storage devices; and further wherein the rim is positioned abovethe sidewall portion and includes a vertically extending mating portionfor mating with the lid and an outwardly extending flange that providesrigidity for the food storage device and a grip point for a userapplying or removing the lid.
 18. The food storage device of claim 17further comprising a plurality of indicia.
 19. The food storage deviceof claim 18 further comprising a plurality of rigid, vertical spacersthat would interlock in a perpendicular configuration.
 20. A method ofstoring food in a refrigerator or freezer comprising the steps of:providing a food storage device comprising a base component with aplurality of freezer gel inserts for rigidity; choosing a specific styleand size of the food storage device depending on the needs or wants of auser; expanding the base component of the food storage device;positioning food and the plurality of freezer gel inserts within thebase component; positioning a plurality of vertical spacers within thebase component; and sealing a lid on the food storage device fortransport or storage in a freezer or refrigerator.